ABC Scripture Challenge {Word #14), New

Challenge Word #14: New

How does it feel when you get something new—new clothes, shoes, crafting goodies, or maybe a new house or a car? We usually get excited over something fun and new. These are all “things” that may make us feel good for a bit but that’s about it.

• They do not give us eternal life. Colossians 3:2 says “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

• These new “things” do not bring us a peace that passes all understanding. Philippians 4:7 says “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

• And these new “things” do not bring that sense of joy that only Christ can bring. Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Now we know new things are not the answer. They only bring temporary happiness and certainly do not guide us in our day-to-day lives. So how about a new relationship with someone? Now that is worth something right? Certainly! Let’s think about when you first met your spouse and you began that new relationship. Oh, how exciting and new everything was! And now here is one—how about the birth of your children? Now that is new and exciting! Nothing can compare to that, right? There is something even better than our spouses and our children—it’s the relationship we have with Jesus Christ.

So—what about your relationship with Christ? Do you have one? If not, He is waiting for you (look here). If you have a new relationship with Christ, how very, very exciting! It is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. It is truly a life or death decision! Praise God for your new relationship with Him! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Grow that new relationship with Him! I am excited for you, and I would love hear about it!

For those of you that have had a relationship with Christ for a long time, maybe it has been a bit neglected lately. Or maybe you are walking a new path with Christ and trying to figure out His will and to wait for His perfect timing. Whatever the case may be, newness with Christ begins each day for all of us. His mercies are new every day. Lamentations 3:22b-23 says “. . . His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” In your prayer time each new day:

• Praise His great name for who He is.
• Thank Him for the gift of eternal life.
• Ask Him to show you something new in His word today.
• Ask Him to give you new understanding of His Word and His will for you.
• Listen for something new He may be telling you or calling you to.

We are new creations in Christ. Let us go out each new day living as that new creation!

For my page today, I used the newest sketch from Crafting Life's Pieces. I then used the same scripture I noted above (Lamentations 3:21-23) from the ODBD set called "Scripture Collection 1." I felt that scripture was a good reminder for me that His compassions are new every single morning. I just love that! I also underlined the word "new" in the scripture for emphasis.

Papers: Basic Grey Kioshi, Paper Trey Ink cs
Our Daily Bread Designs Stamps: Scripture Collection 1
Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink walnut stain, Ranger clear ep
Paints: Adirondack Paint Dabber espresso, Liquitex Acrylic Ink deep violet
Embellishments: flowers, leaves, and ribbon slide from Wild Orchid Crafts; canvas; tulle from Hobby Lobby; sewing machine
Sketch: CLP38

As you share your pages, please be sure to use Keyword ABCSCRC11 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of our previous lessons, please visit this post here. Enjoy your week ahead!! Blessings,